Dog Potty Training
By Michael Willmore
Potty training for your dog! Well that’s something you better take care of, or you’re going to regret it forever. If you have given a proper training to your dog, you can trust him to defecate or Read more...
|
Is Your Dog Ready For Summer?
By BJones
Summer is almost here and if you haven't already done so, you should make sure your dog is ready for another season out of doors. Most pet owners spend a good deal of time outside during the Spring Read more...
|
Stop Your Dog From Jumping—the Secret You Must Know
By Andrea Rains Waggener
Stop your dog from jumping on you, and you’ll be a happy dog parent, right? I know. Dog jumping is okay in agility training, but it’s not so okay when it your dog jumps up on you at home. It’s even Read more...
|
|
Dog Chewing: 4 Essential Steps To Stop The Destruction
By Martin Olliver
Humans play solitaire to keep themselves occupied when they’re alone. Dogs chew. It’s what they do. Actually, chewing is much more important to dogs than solitaire is to humans. Dogs need to chew on things to maintain healthy teeth and gums and good jaw strength. Solitaire will do nothing for your dental hygiene.
Puppies need to chew even more when they are teething (in fact, there are special chew toys that can be dampened and frozen to provide relief for painful gums during this process). So chewing isn’t a problem in itself, but destructive chewing is. Dogs need to learn what they can and cannot chew on, and they are quite capable of doing so when properly taught. Here are four steps every owner should take to encourage “constructive chewing.”
1. Prevent. As always the best cure, but owners should always proof their home, especially with puppies. They can be very creative with what they chew. Anything not removable that has been or is likely to be targeted can be sprayed with a deterrent, such as Bitter Apple.
2. Interrupt. Whenever you are there with your dog, it is important that you actively teach them commands for “leave it” or “drop.” These are given whenever you see them taking something into their jaws that should not be in there. You may have to orchestrate this training process by adding some of the items that you removed in step 1. But that’s what training is all about - setting up safe scenarios in which you can help them differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. These commands will also work well when you are out with your and they want to pick up something dangerous or just foul.
3. Redirect. Here’s where you start teaching your friend which toys belong to them, to chew to pieces if they like (and they will). Immediately after removing the inappropriate item from their clutches, replace it with an appropriate toy. It will take some time to really zero in on a few of your dog’s most favorite things. But as you try lots of different toys to encourage constructive chewing, keep in mind that the best ones are those designed to promote healthy teeth and gums such as dental chew ropes. Also, try to find what are called “active toys,” which give your something to do for an extended period of time. For example, “Kong” balls and rubber toys can be stuffed with food, such as peanut butter or whatever they go for. Often dogs are inactive when they are alone because they’re missing
How To Train Your Dog Not To Chase Things
By Michael Colucci
Dogs are natural carnivores, and have a tendency to chase things which move away from them. This includes people, cars, and other animals. While this may be normal, it can be dangerous, especially Read more...
Your Guide To Feeding An Adult Dog
By BJones
Under normal circumstances your dog will be able to eat and profit from almost anything you give him, including almost all of the food items forbidden by rumor and fear. Milk, for example, will not Read more...
|
